International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action – Women Shaping the Future of Sustainability at FoodSpace
At FoodSpace, we believe that real progress comes from taking meaningful action. This ‘International Women’s Day’, (IWD) we are “Accelerating Action”—ensuring that women in our industry have the opportunities, support, and recognition they need to drive lasting change in the food services industry.
The food industry is evolving rapidly, and women at FoodSpace are at the forefront of that evolution—they are redefining what it means to create meaningful dining experiences while prioritising environmental impact.
IWD is a special day to celebrate for our Director of Catering at FoodSpace, Grainne Carberry – read what it means to her;
“International Women’s Day (IWD) holds a special place in my heart as the Director of Catering at FoodSpace as it represents both a celebration and a call to action.
It is a time to honour the incredible contributions women make each day in our company and to reflect on the progress we have made toward achieving gender equality in the culinary world.
IWD inspires me to recognise the talents, leadership, and creativity that ladies bring to our team, driving FoodSpace’s success with their unique insights and expertise.
A crucial aspect of IWD, for me, is the focus on the diversity and inclusion within our industry. Embracing and understanding diverse perspectives is vital to inviting innovation and excellence in our culinary teams.
I am committed to ensuring that our team comprises individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences, believing that this diversity strengthens our capability to serve our clients with creativity and effectiveness. It is my responsibility as a leader at FoodSpace to cultivate an environment where every voice is heard, respected, and valued.
Addressing both conscious and unconscious bias is another critical component of my commitment to celebrating IWD. These biases, often ingrained in societal and organizational structures, can subtly affect how we assess talent and potential. Recognising and challenging these biases is essential in creating a fair workplace where individuals are recognised and advanced based on their merit.
I strive to lead by example, advocating for processes that promote objective and equitable evaluation of skills and performance.
Deserving a “seat at the table” based on credentials is a principle I strongly uphold. Women in our industry, like anywhere else, should be celebrated not just for their perseverance but also for their qualifications, achievements, and contributions.
IWD is a reminder that every woman who has worked hard to hone her skills and build her career deserves recognition and opportunities for advancement. It is our collective duty to ensure that meritocracy prevails, allowing each woman the chance to contribute fully and authentically. We don’t want to be part of a “quota”.
In essence, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a commitment—a reflection of where we stand today and a vision of a more equitable future for all women in catering, Facility management and beyond!”
As we push forward, we recognise that a sustainable food industry must also be an inclusive one.
Ensuring that women have access to leadership roles, culinary innovation opportunities, and decision-making spaces is critical to achieving long-term impact.
Standing Together for Lasting Change
We invite everyone in the food, hospitality, and sustainability sectors to take action. Empowering women in leadership, fostering sustainability, and accelerating progress aren’t just ideals—they are necessities for building a better future.
“We don’t just talk about change—we make it happen.”
